Reviving River Ganga’s Pristine Glory for Nurturing Lives

The River Ganga not only serves as one of India’s holiest rivers having cultural and spiritual significance, but transcends borders with the Ganga Basin extending into parts of Nepal, China and Bangladesh, which accounts for 26 percent of India’s landmass. It enhances the significance of River Ganga as it impacts the economic, environmental and cultural value in India. Addressing the Indian community at Madison Square Garden in New York in 2014, the Hon’ble Prime Minister had said, “If we are able to clean it, it will be a huge help for the 40 percent population of the country. So, cleaning the Ganges is also an economic agenda.”Since its establishment, the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has emerged as a resolute force, dedicated to the preservation of India’s vital water bodies. Conceived with the visionary goal of ensuring the ecological vitality of these sacred waters, NMCG spearheads transformative initiatives that transcend the conventional bounds of river conservation.

Namami Gange is premised on the five important pillars of- Nirmal Ganga (unpolluted river), Aviral Ganga (unrestricted flow), Jan Ganga (people’s participation), Gyan Ganga (knowledge and research based interventions) and Arth Ganga (people-river connect through the bridge of economy). On 14th December, 2019, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi introduced Arth Ganga, during the first meeting of the National Ganga Council in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh,to energize the economic activity along the banks of the River Ganga. As part of the “Project Arth Ganga” about 40 floating jetties and 10 pairs of Ro-Ro terminals were planned on River Ganga in the four states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal, which is envisaged to bring down the logistics cost for farmers in the movement of local produce and boost the economic activities of the community residing along the river banks in the Gangetic belt. Arth Ganga has elevated NMCG from a mere river management program to a comprehensive river-people connect initiative, shaping a holistic approach to the preservation of the country’s water heritage. 457 projects worth around INR 38438 crores have been sanctioned out of which 197 pertains to sewage management.

The efficacy of NMCG’s endeavors resonates as a remarkable success story, evidenced by a discernible increase in dolphin population, the revitalization of wetlands, and the burgeoning biodiversity along the banks of the Ganga. Concurrently, the improvement in water quality facilitated the release of 2.1 lakhs advanced fingerlings of Indian Major Carps into the Ganga River in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh.

The dedication of Namami Gange and the invaluable lessons learnt from its initiatives now serve as a blueprint for regions grappling with similar environmental challenges. Namami Gange’s global recognition as one of the top 10 World Restoration Flagships during the UN Conference on Biological Diversity (COP15) on 13th December 2022, further attests to the commendable strides made in environmental stewardship. The organization’s implementation of advanced technologies ensures that treated water remains sequestered from river infiltration.

GLOBAL RIVER CITIES ALLIANCE (GRCA): NURTURING SUSTAINABLE URBAN WATERWAYS

The Global River Cities Alliance (GRCA), held under the aegis of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) was recently unveiled on December 10, 2023, during COP28 at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai. It marks a pioneering stride in international river conservation. Emerging from the foundational River Cities Alliance (RCA) formed in 2021, with 142 Indian river cities and the city of Aarhus in Denmark as members, GRCA expands its ambit globally.

In a landmark collaboration, the alliance unites representatives from India, Egypt, the Netherlands, Denmark, Ghana, Australia, Bhutan, Cambodia, Japan, and river cities such as Adelaide (Australia), The Hague (Den Haag, Netherlands), Szolnok (Hungary), along with esteemed international funding agencies – the World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) – and knowledge management institutions such as KPMG.

Cleaning up River Ganga was considered a Mission impossible. But underthe guidance of Hon’ble PM Modi, and with all stakeholders involvement, we could make it possible to a large extent. The challenge now is to sustain it – G.ASOK KUMAR, Special Secretary and DG, NMCG

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The Memorandum of Common Purpose (MOCP), signed on December 6, 2023, between the RCA and the Mississippi River Towns and Cities initiative, further solidifies the GRCA’s global reach, incorporating 275-plus river cities across 11 countries. This unique alliance stands as the first of its kind, fostering collaboration among national governments, international funding agencies, multilateral development banks, academic institutions, and knowledge management partners to address the challenges posed by rapid urbanization.

GRCA’s core focus lies in sustainable river management, emphasizing the reduction of liquid and solid waste disposal in urban rivers. The “Catch the Rain” concept takes center stage, advocating for extensive rainwater harvesting and the conservation of urban lakes to mitigate water shortages, curb urban floods, and counter climate change impacts. A compelling aspect of GRCA’s approach is its advocacy for water body conservation, pollution reduction, and the incorporation of rivers into urban planning for economic growth and tourism, exemplified by river cruises.

Poised to yield tangible outcomes, the GRCA aims to distill global best practices and foster knowledge exchange through city-to-city peer learning platforms, webinars, training programs, exposure visits, and technology transfers. Development agencies seeking river-centric opportunities for cooperation will find a dedicated platform within GRCA. Additionally, the alliance opens avenues for international private-sector solution providers to engage with global river cities.

Building on the foundation laid by the RCA, the GRCA further advances with the Urban Management Plan (URMP) framework, developed over the past two years. This framework aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, addressing environmental, social, and economic aspects concurrently for the river-centric development of member cities.

EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES THROUGH JALAJ

The Arth Ganga initiative, a beacon for uplifting local economies and empowering communities, reveals a myriad of opportunities within the framework of Namami Gange. Central to these initiatives is the JALAJ, serving as a pivotal element in augmenting livelihoods and fostering cultural vibrancy along the banks of the Ganga River. The establishment of the Jalaj Awareness and Marketing Center at DilliHaat, New Delhi, aims to promote products, including agriculture, natural, processed food items, and handicrafts, originating from the Ganga Basin in the national capital. These products are skillfully crafted by women self-help groups and Ganga Praharis residing along the banks of the River Ganga and its tributaries.

Opened to the public on September 17, 2023, the Jalaj Centre at DilliHaat serves a dual purpose – functioning as an information centre and retail space for items produced by artisans, farmers, women self-help groups, and co-operatives from the Ganga Basin. Notably, the centre operates under the management of JALAJ-NAULA, a women’s self-help group identified in New Delhi. This initiative aligns with NMCG’s broader objective of providing training and hand holding support to these groups, fostering skill development and economic empowerment.

As a facet of the larger “Jalaj: Connecting River and People to Realize Arth Ganga” project, executed by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun, under the Namami Gange Programme, the Jalaj centre at Dilli Haat is part of a comprehensive plan. The project envisions the development of 75 Jalaj at various locations, with 26 sites launched on August 16, 2022, by the Honorable Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. The Jalaj concept, designed as bio-diversity-sensitive tourism-based boat safaris, aims to create livelihood opportunities for local communities while simultaneously raising awareness among visitors about the ecological significance of the Ganga. This innovative approach not only contributes to the economic up-liftment of the region, but also fosters a deeper understanding of the Ganga’s environmental importance among the public and promotes circular economy model.

In the realm of JALAJ, the initiative stands as a pioneering force navigating the delicate balance between economic advancement and environmental stewardship. Under the Arth Ganga model, Namami Gange champions chemical fertilizer-free natural farming, with JALAJ centers nationwide selling a variety of natural farming products, such as agarbattis, honey, and Gangajal. The impact is tangible, with the Dilli Haat outlet alone witnessing nearly Rs 13 lakh worth of products sold within the first three months of operation.

The establishment of the Jalaj Awareness and Marketing Center at Dilli Haat, New Delhi, aims to promote products, including agriculture, natural, processed food items, and handicrafts, originating from the Ganga Basin in the national capital.

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The Hon’ble Prime Minister, during his address in the 96th episode of “Mann Ki Baat” acknowledged that the greatest driving force behind the success of “Namami Gange” campaign is people’s participation, highlighting, the proactive role played by the Ganga Prahari and other volunteer groups. He further added that various efforts under the campaign have aided in improvising the biodiversity value of the Ganga River system with significant increase in number of freshwater species, including; our National Aquatic mammal the Gangetic dolphins and other aquatic species such as Hilsa fish. He also mentioned that the Jalaj Ajeevika Model have created more opportunities for alternate livelihood, which are in sync with the biodiversity conservation and Ganga rejuvenation objectives of the Namami Gange programme.

ENHANCING BIODIVERSITY: A TESTAMENT TO IMPROVED WATER QUALITY

The flourishing presence and increased sightings of aquatic species, notably the Gangetic Dolphins, Gharials, Turtles and local fishes with 9.3 million Indian Major Carps (Katla, Rohu, Mrigal) and 90,000 Hilsa fish have been ranched in the Ganga basin. This stands as compelling indicators of the heightened water quality in the Ganga River as a consequence of the sustained initiatives under the Namami Gange Project.

A transformative journey is evident when comparing the conditions in 2014, where two polluted stretches fell into Category V and one each in Category II and III. The present scenario paints a vastly improved picture, with two stretches, namely Haridwar to Sultanpur and Buxar to Bhagalpur, now categorized as unpolluted. While the remaining two stretches in Category V, namely Kannauj to Varanasi and Triveni to Diamond Harbour, exhibit minor deviations beyond the accepted range.

This positive transformation is not merely confined to water quality indices; it extends to the consciousness of local communities.

Through comprehensive awareness programs by NMCG, the significance of Gangetic Dolphins as a national aquatic treasure has been impressively conveyed. Residents have been sensitized about the importance of preserving their habitat in the Ganga and actively contributing to their conservation.

Looking ahead, NMCG envisions furthering these conservation efforts. Among the upcoming initiatives is the exploration of livelihood-related activities, such as Dolphin Tourism. This forward-looking approach not only underscores the success of ongoing biodiversity preservation but also charts a course for sustainable engagement, intertwining economic opportunities with the continued conservation of the Ganga’s rich aquatic life.

GANGA BHOG

Ganga Bhog, an innovative initiative under Arth Ganga, unfolds from Gangotri to Ganga Sagar in collaboration with Namami Gange and HESCO. Reimagining sacred offerings to Maa Ganga, Ganga Bhog introduces a healthier, locally sourced alternative guided by the “5 Ms”: Mother (Ganga), Mitti (fertile soil), Mahila (local women), Mota-Anaj (millets), and Mandir (temple). These “5 Ms” signify a profound connection with the riverine ecosystem, aligning offerings with the sanctity of the Ganga as the source of life. Ganga Bhog advocates for a sustainable approach to cultivating local millet items, empowering local women, and fostering economic and community resilience. By choosing millets, Ganga Bhog sparks a nutritional revolution along the Ganga Basin, contributing to the UN’s ‘International Year of Millets.’

NAMAMI GANGE: WEAVING SUSTAINABILITY, COMMUNITY AND CULTURE

The Arth Ganga initiative, under the umbrella of Namami Gange, has emerged as a transformative force, laying the foundation for resilient institutions that steer sustainable development efforts. Through innovative approaches such as zero-budget natural farming, monetization of wastewater and sludge, the formation of FBOs, and public participation initiatives, Arth Ganga is fostering a paradigm shift from conventional engineering solutions to comprehensive, community-driven approaches. The establishment of cultural heritage sites, promotion of tourism, and the generation of livelihood opportunities contribute to the multifaceted impact of this initiative. The year-long webinar series, ‘Igniting Young Minds, Rejuvenating Rivers,’ has been instrumental in fostering dynamic collaborations with universities, marking a significant stride towards inclusive and participatory solutions. As Arth Ganga continues to weave a tapestry of interconnected elements, it serves as a testament to the commitment of Namami Gange in rejuvenating the sacred Ganga River, not merely as a water body but as a lifeline intertwined with the diverse fabric of India’s vibrant cultural and ecological heritage.

The Hon’ble Prime Minister said, “Ganga ji is not just a river and we are taking a twin approach through Namami Gange and Arth Ganga to serve the holy river,” He flagged off the World’s Longest River Cruise-MV Ganga Vilas on 13th January, 2023 at Varanasi, which culminated its journey on 28th February in Dibrugarh. In other words, Namami Gange has given a boot to tourism in the states along its course, which is a reality made possible because of the concerted initiatives undertaken under the one-of-its –kind comprehensive river project.

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